Tems’ Manager Recalls Discovering Her With Just N200 and Choosing Partnership Over Contract

Tems’ manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, has opened up about how he discovered the Grammy-winning singer’s talent and drive, even during a time when she was struggling financially.

According to Awoniyi, when they first met, Tems had just N200 in her bank account and no steady income. Despite her situation, she displayed an uncommon level of dedication—often spending her limited funds to buy food for their meetings. This selflessness and commitment left a strong impression on him.

He revealed that what truly set her apart was her eagerness to formalize their working relationship—something rare in his experience with artists.

“There was something Tems did that made me say, ‘I don’t want to do a managerial contract with you, let’s do a company,’” Awoniyi said.

“When she asked me to be her manager, I agreed and said I would send her a contract to sign. We had already verbally agreed on everything. You know when you present paperwork for artists to sign, it’s always tricky. But she was chasing me to sign my own part. And I have never experienced that before.

“I was like, ‘You don’t mind signing paperwork? Hold on, let’s not do this. You’re someone I can rock with for life. Let’s start a company.’”

He added that before they decided to work together, they had been friends for about three months and never discussed music business. At the time, he was running a production company and hosting a podcast, where Tems would often sit quietly during recordings.

“Back then, she wasn’t financially buoyant in any capacity. When I met Tems, she only had like 200 Naira in her account. So, if I had money, I would buy food. Another thing that shocked me was that even though she didn’t have money, she would order food for us. She didn’t even have a way of earning. So, I just realized that she is different from everyone I have seen in Nigeria.”

Their bond eventually led to the creation of a company together—marking the beginning of Tems’ rise to stardom.